“This graduation is about recognizing a dream deferred. Life happens. Life happens to all of us and the graduates here have demonstrated they will not give up on a dream. You have what it takes to persevere and be successful,” said Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics. “I want to congratulate you on not giving up on that dream and know this is just the beginning of a new door that been opened to you. I hope the next step you take is to come to Wallace State Community College.”

At the outset of the ceremony, first-year Wallace State Adult Education Director Cynthia Arrington recognized the significant efforts displayed by the program’s instructors before addressing the graduating class and their families.

“Graduates, tonight you will receive your diploma, and this is a special, special accomplishment. Go out and further your lives and be sure to tell others to do the same,” Arrington said.

Cullman County Circuit Judge Greg Nicholas, a Wallace State alum, served as the keynote speaker, highlighting the sacrifices his mother made as she worked multiple jobs, while earning her GED.

“The best things in life usually take time. There are no shortcuts to success, and every graduate here realizes that. You did your part to earn your GED. You wanted a better future. You enrolled in the program, went to classes, studied and passed your tests. There were dozens of excuses you could have made. You didn’t give up. You showed self-discipline to complete the difficult things for a short while, so the rest of your life will be better,” Nicholas said.

Nicholas later commended the graduating class for their achievements, urging them to remain disciplined when pursuing future goals.

“The road ahead of you is exciting and full of endless possibilities. There will be highs and lows. There will be days of great joy and there will be dark and difficult days ahead. Life will sometimes be unfair. You can’t always prevent bad things from happening, but you can control how you respond to them,” Nicholas said. “As your life journey continues, don’t be afraid on occasion to get out of your comfort zone or to take the road less traveled. Take calculated risks to achieve your individual life goals and always try to enjoy the ride. Good luck to each of you.”

Jimmy Hodges, Wallace State’s Dean of Applied Technologies, also addressed the crowd and praised the graduates for their passion, persistence and presence.

Nine graduates received scholarships at the ceremony. Madison Tidwell and Nathan Michael Fuchs were each recipients of the Hope House scholarship, while Ashton Whisenant earned the Oden Family scholarship.